What We Thought: The Three Fates by Nora Roberts

Evening Book Club

February 2016  Three Fates by Nora Roberts

All three Halifax adult book clubs, Evening, Afternoon and Mystery Readers joined together to enjoy a pot luck supper. The meal was served buffet style featuring a variety of salads and soups; Asian, antipasto, garden salad, fruit and cole slaw with vegetable bean and stuffed pepper soup. Deviled eggs were a tasty treat along with corn pudding, macaroni and cheese squash casserole homemade mashed potatoes and white bread. Keeping with the international theme of the story hummus, pizza and Irish bread added to the choices on the table. Hot cider and assorted flavors of spritzers complemented the menu. After the main course all readers adjourned to the Library’s reading room for a book discussion accompanied by desserts; festive frosted white cake, berry rugelach, s’mores on a stick, and chocolate treats. 

Readers whole heartedly contributed to the lively discussion and all enjoyed the book. For many this was their introduction to Nora Roberts. They were surprised at the steamy romantic passages but then were reminded of some of  bolder selections of  past book club discussions; Beat the Reaper by Josh Bazell, Hank and Chloe by Jo-Ann Mapson and Garden of Lies by Amanda Quick in particular. Some readers were put off  by the violence in the story but thought it was overshadowed by humorous incidents, especially the comeuppance of evil antique dealer, Anita who was ‘so rotten it was delicious’.

After much discussion it was agreed that the author’s strong point is her descriptions of characters in The Three Fates as well in her other books. They could picture them from the descriptions and interactions with each other. Tia, Cleo, Rebecca and Eileen were unique women who fit into their roles. Malachi, Gideon and Jack were well liked and appreciated for their romantic and sensitive qualities. Although Mikey, Cleo’s dancer friend made a brief appearance his character was remembered by everyone. When readers were asked who would you pick among the men, the answer was a resounding, “All of them!”

Readers concluded that the story line about fate was not predetermined and that choices made will influence outcomes. Spin the yarn and decide what to do with it cut it and follow the chosen path. 

Have you read The Three Fates?  What did you think? Please share your thoughts in comments.